Sunday, August 13, 2017

Google’s newest version of Android – dubbed Android O for now – is due to launch the week of the 21st of August (likely the 21st of August) according to a leak from Evan Blass, also known as @evleaks. Other sources had floated the same date, and Evan Blass’ statement further strengthens our trust in the rumor.

Android O release scheduled for the week of 8/21, “most likely on the 21st itself.”

This comes after four developer previews, the last of which was released only two weeks ago. With this will come many new features and optimizations, including better security, project treble, improved app performance and boot times and many other general improvements. We do not have a name for the update yet, though some people speculate the release will be named Android “Oreo”, in which case there may be additional preparations needed before the name is released. The last time Google held a partnership with a company for the name of the newest Android version was Android KitKat. That involved a promotional KitKat bar, a massive KitKat Android bar erected outside of Google HQ and competitions. Something similar may be planned if the name is indeed “Oreo”.

However, the lack of leaks in any way could suggest a lack of a promotional themed launch as well. A month before KitKat came out, we already knew the name of the release and knew of the existence of promotional chocolate bars. If “Oreo” is the name, then Google has run a very tight ship.

The update will first come to Google’s major flagship devices. These are the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Google Pixel C and of course the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL. The update will then come out eventually on other devices, such as the OnePlus 3/T, once OEMs get enough time to prepare an update with their features. We should also start seeing custom ROMs based on Android O not too long after launch. Hopefully we see many more devices added to this list!